Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:
“President Trump’s unnecessary trade war with Canada is hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington state.
As of last month, Canadian travelers from B.C. to Washington state via Whatcom County have decreased by 43% compared to 2024.
According to customer data from Canada's largest community credit union, online purchases from U.S. retailers are down 14% and travel purchases in the U.S. are down 28%.
Northwest Yarns, a small business in Bellingham, lost 20% of their sales because of Canadian shoppers choosing to spend their money at home.
Point to Point Parcel, a local Point Roberts shipping company that survived 24 years, closed in May because of the President’s reckless tariffs.
An international company shifted manufacturing work from Washington state to Canada and a maritime employer moved a project from Bellingham to Canada because of tariff uncertainty.
“Instead of a pointless trade war, the President should work with Canada to address the challenges facing both Americans and Canadians. A positive, effective agenda would include rebuilding manufacturing jobs, bringing down the cost of living, building stronger cross-border energy and critical minerals sectors, and confronting unfair competition from non-market economies.
“With Trump’s arbitrary deadline of August 1st approaching, any deal that locks in U.S. tariffs will cause further harm for families in Northwest Washington state. The Administration should be working with Canada to reduce barriers between our two economies, create jobs and lower prices.”
Rep. Larsen is a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force and has been a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs.
